Exploring Italy: Geography and Society

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Exploring Italy: Geography and Society

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Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the geography and society of Italy.

Introduce the learning objective to the students at the beginning of the lesson.

What do you already know about Italy's geography and society?

Geography of Italy

Italy is located in southern Europe and is a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea.

Explain the geography of Italy and show a map of the country.

Mountains and Volcanoes

The Italian Alps are located in the north while the Apennine Mountains run down the center of the country. There are also several active volcanoes in Italy, including Mount Etna and Vesuvius.

Describe the mountains and volcanoes in Italy and show pictures of them.

Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is also the capital of the Lazio region, the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome.

Age: 2,775 years

Founded: 21 April 753 BC

Area: 1,285 km²

Population: 2.873 million (2017)

Adriatic

The Adriatic Sea is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula. The Adriatic is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from the Strait of Otranto to the northwest and the Po Valley.

Area: 138,600 km²

Mean depth: 252 m

Max. width: 200 km (120 mi)

Sicily

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is just off the "toe" of Italy's "boot." On Sicily’s eastern edge is Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes.

Founded: 15 May 1946

Area: 25,711 km²

Population: 5 million (2019)

Discuss Italy's coastline and islands and show pictures of them.

Venice

Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. 

Area: 414.6 km²

Population: 261,905 (2017)

Venice's population size is appropriate for the city's area.

Venice should limit tourism to reduce overcrowding.

The city needs more residents for economic growth.

The population size is ideal for maintaining Venice's charm.

There should be stricter laws to control population growth.

Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe, and the highest mountain in Europe outside the Caucasus mountains, rising 4,807.81 m above sea level, located on the French-Italian border.

Elevation: 4,809 m

Prominence: 4,696 m

First ascent: 8 August 1786

Italian Society

Italy is known for its rich history and culture. It is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Vatican City.

Introduce Italian society and culture to the students.

Coastline and Islands

Italy has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches. It also has several islands, including Sicily and Sardinia.

What is the name of the famous canal city in Italy?

1. Rome
2. Milan
3. Florence
4. Venice

Which island is the largest in Italy?

1. Capri
2. Sicily
3. Sardinia
4. Elba

Which sea borders Italy to the east?

1. Mediterranean Sea
2. Ionian Sea
3. Tyrrhenian Sea
4. Adriatic Sea

What is the highest mountain in Italy?

1. Mount Etna
2. Mount Cervino
3. Mount Vesuvius
4. Mont Blanc

What is the capital city of Italy?

1. Naples
2. Florence
3. Milan
4. Rome

Italian Language

Italian is the official language of Italy and is spoken by over 85 million people worldwide.

Discuss the Italian language and its importance in Italian society.

Italian Food

Italian food is famous around the world, with dishes such as pizza, pasta, and gelato being popular favorites.

Talk about Italian cuisine and show pictures of some popular dishes.

Fashion and Design

Italy is also known for its fashion and design industries, with famous brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace.

Discuss Italian fashion and design and show pictures of some famous brands.

Religion in Italy

The majority of Italians are Roman Catholic, with the Vatican City located in Rome, Italy.

Discuss the role of religion in Italian society and the importance of the Vatican City.

Italian Sports

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Italy, with teams such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan being well-known.

Talk about Italian sports, especially football, and show pictures of some famous teams.

Italian Holidays

Italy celebrates many holidays throughout the year, including Christmas, Easter, and Ferragosto (Assumption Day).

Discuss Italian holidays and their significance in Italian culture.

Italian holidays should be celebrated worldwide.

Yes, to promote Italian culture globally.

Yes, to encourage tourism to Italy.

No, each country should prioritize its own holidays.

No, it's not necessary to celebrate foreign holidays.

Italian Art and Music

Italy has a rich history of art and music, with famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and musicians such as Vivaldi and Pavarotti.

Talk about Italian art and music and show pictures of some famous works.

Italian art is more influential than Italian music.

Art has a lasting impact.

Music brings people together culturally.

Art forms bridge cultural differences.

Music is a universal language.

Italian Inventions

Italy has been responsible for many inventions throughout history, including the piano, the thermometer, and espresso machines.

Discuss some of the inventions that have come from Italy and their importance.

Italian Landmarks

Italy is home to many famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Trevi Fountain.

Show pictures of some of Italy's famous landmarks and discuss their significance.

Italian Fashion Show

Hold a fashion show where students can showcase their Italian-themed outfits.

Have students dress up in Italian-themed outfits and walk down a makeshift runway while Italian music plays in the background.

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